Thomas Charles Shad is an accomplished sales professional with extensive experience in the medical diagnostics industry. He has successfully managed sales programs at the national, regional, and local levels. As a sales leader and business development executive, he also demonstrates skill in the areas of talent recruiting and customer service. As the business development executive of Southeast US sales for Roche Diagnostics in Atlanta, he oversaw all point-of-care interactions with clients, with an eye on meeting sales objectives. Among several achievements while at Roche Diagnostics, Tommy C. Shad closed a $6.2-million three-year contract in the El Paso, Texas urgent care market. A few of his past positions include Eastern US area sales director for Lumos Diagnostics, Inc., and Eastern US area sales manager at Horiba Medical.
Thomas Charles Shad holds a business administration degree from the Stetson School of Business and Economics at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. While a student he played on the university’s baseball team and worked as both a Mercer ambassador and resident advisor. Tommy C. Shad continues to follow professional baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves, and coaches a travel baseball team.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A productive day starts with a clear plan, and the Franklin Time Management System is a key tool in organizing tasks. Each day begins with a prioritized list of goals that need to be accomplished. The system helps to focus on the most pressing tasks, ensuring they are either completed or advanced significantly. By focusing on what truly matters, productivity is maintained throughout the day. This structure allows for a sense of accomplishment, even if some goals require more time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with getting buy-in and involving others. Collaboration is at the heart of turning concepts into reality. By working in a fun and organized way, progress is made toward shared goals. This approach fosters creativity, encourages teamwork, and ensures that everyone is aligned with the vision, making the execution process smoother and more enjoyable.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The rapid advancement of AI is an exciting trend that promises to reshape many industries. Specifically, the potential of AI in the medical diagnostics field is incredibly promising. Its ability to analyze data, detect patterns, and improve decision-making processes could revolutionize healthcare, not just in hospitals but also in personal health management. This could significantly impact both the professional world and everyday lives, making healthcare more accessible and accurate.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One of the most important habits for productivity is having a plan. Without a clear roadmap for the day, it’s easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed. Planning ahead ensures that time is used efficiently and that important tasks are prioritized. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” A solid plan is a crucial element in achieving consistent success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Looking back, one of the most valuable pieces of advice would be to seek out a mentor early in your career. Having guidance from someone with experience can accelerate learning and help avoid common mistakes. Additionally, recognizing the importance of collaboration is vital. Success isn’t achieved in isolation; it’s about working with others and leveraging their strengths to reach common goals.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
A bold belief I hold is that we will see a cure for diabetes and cancer within my lifetime. Although many might consider this overly optimistic, medical research is advancing rapidly, and breakthroughs are happening at an accelerating pace. With the growing investment in science and technology, the possibility of curing these diseases seems increasingly likely.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
“5 after 5 on Friday” is a simple yet effective practice I recommend to others. Every Friday afternoon, reach out to five people in your network—whether through a text, email, or quick phone call. Checking in with them not only strengthens relationships but also offers an opportunity to show you care. It’s a small effort that can yield big rewards in terms of fostering meaningful connections.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to take a step back and review the plan. Assess if there were any over-promises made or if the priorities need adjustment. Sometimes, it’s necessary to make swift course corrections to get back on track. If the situation involves others, clear communication is essential. Engaging them to recalibrate the plan or even hearing their ideas can provide fresh perspectives and solutions.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Focusing on the top 20% of customers who drive the majority of business success is a strategy that has proven effective. By using analytics to identify these customers, and consistently nurturing relationships through regular engagement, businesses can achieve sustained growth. In my experience, especially in working with distributor networks, it’s crucial to understand who your key partners are. Regular communication, recognition, and incentivization ensure strong, long-term relationships with those who matter most.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One of the hardest moments in my career was losing a significant account in Northwest Florida. I assumed the relationship was secure, only to realize that my competitor was gradually infiltrating areas I had overlooked. This experience taught me that relationships and business are never guaranteed. Continuous effort is needed to uncover new contacts, nurture those connections, and develop them into allies. This lesson reinforced the importance of proactive relationship-building and staying vigilant.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The Microsoft suite of products remains an indispensable tool for productivity. Whether it’s conducting online meetings, analyzing data, writing reports, or preparing presentations, the suite offers versatile solutions for various tasks. Its user-friendly features and integration across different platforms make it an essential resource for everyday business activities.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Sun-Tzu’s The Art of War remains a timeless classic, offering profound insights into strategy. It emphasizes understanding oneself, the terrain, and one’s opponents—valuable lessons not only for military endeavors but for business as well. The book highlights the importance of preparation and having a clear plan. It serves as a constant reminder that success often comes down to effective strategy and understanding the bigger picture.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Justified, a gripping series about a US Marshall navigating crime and justice in Kentucky. The show combines suspense, sharp dialogue, and well-developed characters, making it a compelling watch. The complexities of law enforcement and personal morals portrayed in the series offer valuable insights into human nature and decision-making.
Key learnings
- Strategic planning and prioritization are essential for maintaining productivity.
- Collaboration and getting buy-in from others are crucial for bringing ideas to life.
- Identifying key customers or partners and building strong relationships is fundamental to business growth.
- Regular communication and continuous relationship-building are important for long-term success.
- AI is a rapidly growing trend that can significantly enhance business operations and efficiency.